both of these retail at the same price ( talking about the 06 models ) but what one is better? what r sum goods and bads about each of these machines

 

as far as i know the z has the upper hand over the ex better engien suspention and almost everything else

 

We get this question at least 5 times per week! I have both, so I don't have any reason to BS anybody.

I like the EX for really tight, semi-technical trails. It has an engine that doesn't mind being lugged down and ridden slowly. Handling is excellent.

The Z's engine likes to rev. It is better suited for faster trails and more open country. In the technical stuff, you have to work the clutch a lot, and it gets old fast. Excellent handling as well. Quite a bit faster than the EX.

 

Dito. The z will win in every shootout you read. The ex has been around for ever, but the z is a better bike.

 

has the z always had reverse? bcuz i believe the ex got it in 04

 

Yes, the Z has always had reverse. In my opion the Z is better all around over the EX. Unless like reconranger said if your in tight technical trails then the EX is better because it can be lucked quite a bit more than the Z. But if you gonna be doing any kind of Racing the Z is well above the EX.

 

did you post this in the honda forum too. if they said the Z was better then its prolly true, cuz all the people i know with hondas are very brand loyal.

 

the 400ex got reverse in 05

 

You can also change up gearing with sprocket changes allowing you to either shorten or lengthen the 1st or 2nd gear for lower trail speeds. I do just fine with my z400 with a 13 tooth front sprocket and 41 tooth rear. Having ridden both, I would always choose my z400.

 

we do almost all trail riding, alight of tight rutted trails with ALOT of STEEP hills. which ones better for more dificult trails and hills?